Check Out These Forgotten Games
Whether it’s to do with the release window, what’s trending at the time or even marketing, there are some games that fall by the wayside, failing to make the impact that they deserve. With remakes, remasters and sequels leading the industry, I’ve dug out eight forgotten games that deserve a second chance.
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010)
With the future of Ninja Theory hanging in the balance, it’s a good time to revisit their overlooked classic, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Set in a post-apocalyptic world and based on the renowned Chinese Novel, the game puts a fresh spin on the formula to create a forgotten classic. The great storytelling and confident action-focused gameplay would be a sure-fire hit in 2026.
Binary Domain (2012)
Created by the incredible Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Binary Domain is a classic example of wrong time, wrong place. Although it had strong shooting mechanics, with the ability to blast off body parts and a fascinating multi-layered narrative, the game struggled to stand out due to the number of cover-based shooters that were released at the time. With the recent success of RGG in the West, it would be a great time for the company to reinvigorate this title.
Vanquish (2010)
PlatinumGames is one of my favourite developers. Each release places action at the forefront with a number of intricate systems that help to maintain a breakneck speed. Vanquish is the epitome of those aspects, giving you booster rockets to blast from one area to another. Fast, frantic and full of fun, it’s a shame that this doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (2002)
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem took inspiration from Hideo Kojima’s will to break the fourth wall. With a sanity metre linked to the character’s situation, a variety of events could occur, keeping you on edge at all times and making you question your own sanity. Despite the controversy surrounding some of the original team, a new entry that stays true to the franchise’s roots could be incredible, particularly with modern technology at its disposal.
Spec Ops: The Line (2012)
Military shooters are a dime a dozen; however, Spec Ops: The Line stands out amongst the crowd. Although on the surface, it may seem typical, what it harbours is a powerful story that cuts deep. With its strong gameplay and emotive storytelling, this game deserves a second chance.
The Order: 1886 (2015)
There’s so much to love about The Order: 1886 even with its short runtime. The steampunk Victorian setting, stunning motion capture, and cool as hell weapons- this should have been the start of a franchise. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan and the game quickly faded into the ether. If Sony ever decides to revisit the idea and learns from the mistakes of the original, then this would surely be a hit.
Sleeping Dogs (2012)
There was a time when every game wanted to be GTA. While most sucked, Sleeping Dogs stood head and shoulders above its competition. Set against the bustling streets of Hong Kong, it provided a strong undercover police story with intense hand-to-hand combat and exciting car chases. Although many adored the title, a sequel never came to fruition.
L.A. Noire (2011)
Okay, hear me out. I know this isn’t necessarily overlooked, but it’s a game that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Yes, the over-the-top animations used to read suspects’ facial reactions can be hilarious, but the idea behind this mechanic is genius. Most detective games overlook this huge aspect of the role, when it should be central to the experience. Although it wasn’t perfect, I would love to see a sequel to this classic noir thriller.
Those are my top picks for forgotten games that deserve a second chance. Do you agree with the picks? If so, which? If not, why? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or X, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more great video game content.
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